Supreme Court Draft AI Rules Spark Debate; Comments Invited by June 20

New Delhi: Concerns have been raised for some time regarding the rapidly increasing use of Artificial Intelligence within the country's judicial system. Consequently, the Supreme Court has issued new draft rules for AI usage, sparking a debate. The Supreme Court's AI Committee has sought suggestions and comments on these rules from the general public and stakeholders by June 20. However, experts hold varying opinions on the matter.

What a digital law expert said

Digital law expert Virag Gupta points out that the draft does not specify under which provisions of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, these new rules would be implemented. According to an April 2026 order, AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta cannot be used for legal research or in judgments within the Punjab and Haryana High Court and district courts. In this context, questions arise as to how the Supreme Court's rules would prevail over existing judicial orders. Details and documents regarding cases from all courts are being consolidated in one place.

These records may contain sensitive personal information of millions of litigants. Concerns remain regarding the security of private and judicial data on foreign AI platforms, especially since the Data Protection Act, 2023, has not yet been implemented. However, tech expert Kanishk Gaur welcomed the move, stating that the Supreme Court of India has taken a step that many other nations are still debating.

The Court has drawn a firm line

The Court has drawn a clear and strict line distinguishing AI as a tool from the role of a judge. The ban on algorithm-based bail decisions is not merely about limiting technology; it is a safeguard for personal liberty.